Independently run since 1797, Johnstons has been making beautiful knitwear, clothing and accessories from the most luxurious wools known to man for over two centuries. At their mill on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin they still produce all their woven accessories, homewares and much more. Meanwhile, Johnstons knitwear is crafted at their factory in Hawick.
Cashmere
Their mills pioneered the weaving of cashmere and vicuna in Scotland in 1851 and have been processing luxury fibres since that period. Their flagship mill at Elgin is the only mill in Britain to transform cashmere from raw fibre to finished article. It is their way of ensuring consistency of quality.
In the 1920′s, Scotland established itself as a specialist supplier of fabric and sweaters, knitting and weaving. Coco Chanel and fellow Parisian couturier Jean Patou loved working with the fine Scottish jersey weights and a wonderfully diverse spectrum of colours, and Scottish cashmere became a must have item for film stars like Grace Kelly.
Today, cashmere is worn both by climbers attempting Everest as well as those scaling the heights of luxury fashion. You will find Johnston’s designer collections in some of the world’s most famous outlets from London to Tokyo and Henry Bucks in Australia
‘Only the best is good enough’ has been their motto from the beginning and to feel a piece of Johnstons cashmere is to know that the phrase still holds true today. If you’re ever in Scotland be sure to visit and see first hand how it’s done. Or, read more about what makes Johnstons cashmere so sought after and so difficult to make.
The Estate Tweeds
In the 1840s Johnstons also produced a range of designs which have become known as the Estate Tweeds. Distant cousins of the clan tartans, tweeds identified people who lived and worked in the same area whether they were related or not. It became fashionable for both owners and retainers to dress in the same pattern of tweed.
Originally the estate tweeds were woven heavyweight fabrics utilising local Scottish wool and designed to withstand life on the hill and the Scottish weather. Around the turn of the century the designs were turned into lighter weight garments for more general use, and much of Johnstons luxury cashmere jacketing used by the world’s top designers today owes its origins to the estate tweeds. As well as running a stock bunch of 30 estate tweeds, we also offer a bespoke service to estate owners and customers wishing to create their own unique designs.
Over 30 different exacting processes
The flagship mill at Elgin in the north east of Scotland is unique. It is the only mill in Britain to transform cashmere from raw fibre to finished article. Over 30 different processes are involved, including:
• Dyeing
• Teasing
• Blending
• Carding
• Spinning
• Weaving
• Hand finishing
If the yarn is to be turned into a knitted garment, it is taken to their factory in Hawick after it has been spun. There it undergoes further processes specific to knitting manufacture.
